Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Lily Lake to Estes Cone Hike

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    4.5-6h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    13.0 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    777 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    The Lily Lake to Estes Cone Hike is a perfect extension to the typical lakeshore perimeter adventure. This excursion exhibits several typographies within the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Culminating at the summit of Estes Cone, the overlook will reward hikers with epic vistas of the encompassing snow-capped peaks.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Lily Lake to Estes Cone Hike on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Lily Lake to Estes Cone Hike

    The Lily Lake to Estes Cone Trail is a great adventure. Let the stunning Colorado scenery motivate you as you venture this lengthy hike. Because this trail passes through diverse terrain at various elevations, it is important to wear layers and check the weather prior to your adventure. We recommend heading out on the trail early to summit Estes Cone before noon, which will greatly reduce the likelihood of getting caught in an afternoon storm. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear and use trekking poles if you struggle with joint pain. Lastly, charge your camera because you are going to want to take pictures. Note you are required to purchase a Rocky Mountain National Park pass to access the trails.

    From the Lily Lake Trailhead, track north along the Lily Ridge Trail. Maintain along this ridge which delivers epic lake views until it guides you around to the east south shore and merges into the Lily Lake Trail. Briefly hike this route until you meet the intersection with Storm Pass. From here, veer right and you will be diverted onto the Storm Pass Trail. Track west along the route, crossing Aspen Brook. As you continue to trek further into the wilderness, the path will become increasingly steep. Eventually, the Storm Pass Trail will curve around the base of Estes Cone and lead you to a junction.

    Here, turn right and hike the primitive Estes Cone Trail. Marked by cairns, navigate the switchbacks up the steep terrain to the summit of Estes Cone. From the summit, enjoy spectacular views of the Continental Divide, the Mummy Range, and the verdant woodlands of the Rocky Mountain National Park. When you are done exploring the summit and revelling in the views, retrace your steps along the trail all the way back to Lily Lake. At the Lily Lake junction, instead of hiking around the perimeter again, simply follow the Storm Pass Trail all the way to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Lily Lake to Estes Cone Hike Trailhead

    The Lily Lake to Estes Cone Hike departs from the Lily Lake Trailhead off S St. Vrain Ave.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      May-September

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Loop

    Lily Lake to Estes Cone Hike Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Lily Lake to Estes Cone Hike Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter